Cox Essential vs. Preferred

Cox recommends its Essential plan for users who primarily use the Internet for email and light web surfing. The Preferred plan is best for customers who use the Internet more frequently, including for downloading music and uploading photographs. Both plans feature free professional installation for plans ordered online from Cox's website. In addition to its Essential and Preferred plans, Cox also offers Premier and Ultimate plans for customers who use the Internet for gaming and for downloading and viewing movies.

As part of the Cox Security Suite offered with both plans, customers have access to McAfee computer protection software and spam blocker. Customers can also register up to ten email addresses. Cox subscribers can access live online sports coverage from ESPN3.com, customized online learning children's programs from Nickelodeon and unlimited music through Cox Rhapsody. Customers can also store and share up to five gigabytes online and use 20 megabytes of personal web space.

Cox's Essential plan features high-speed Internet with download speeds of up to three megabytes per second. By comparison, the Preferred plan provides Internet speeds of up to 12 megabytes per second. Preferred plan subscribers also have access to Cox's PowerBoost feature, which gives users a temporary boost of speed up to 15 megabytes per second when transferring large files. With respect to upload speeds, Essential plan customers can expect speeds of up to 384 kilobytes per second versus one megabyte per second for Preferred plan customers.

Essential and Preferred plan customers can download the Cox Toolbar, a free online tool that provides access to Cox and Internet services. For example, the toolbar provides one-click access to WebMail for customers to receive email alerts and check their email. The toolbar also features a Google search tool and customized information, including news, sports, television listings, featured websites, music and community links. Customers can also access their account information and technical support using the toolbar.